The village of Clyde celebrated its 175th Anniversary on April 29th through May 2nd. A committee was formed to ensure that the celebration would be a success. Members of the committee were Mayor Jerry Fremouw, Hugh Miner, Dick DeVito, David Albrecht, Christine and Paul Lauster, John Robert, Jane Roberts, Rose Jean Strakel and Sherryle Godkin. Members of the community, businesses and organizations were approached for support and the committee was pleased and thankful for the responses. The committee's number one goal was to give the Village of Clyde a celebration with little or no cost to its community. Working together is the main reason that this effort to commemorate our 175th Anniversary was such a huge success.

The following is an account and photos of the Celebration. To see more photos please stop by the Brick Church Museum this summer season. (NOTE: The cemetery tours are not included in this accounting as they will be offered at a later time.)

A Group of GHS Members unearthing the Anniversary Cake from back storage room where it had rested for the last 25 years. It was in a rather sorrowful state with 25 years of dust and some of the joint compound icing broken away.

The Cake was taken to President's garage for makeover to represent the 175th anniversary of our village. A group of girls (some from Lyons) assembled under the direction of Brenda and Jeff Smith and President Sherry Godkin to paint the candle tops gold and decorate the cake and Rich Hoven's snowmobile trailer to resemble a float for our parade.

Thursday April 29, 2010

A moderate sized crowd assembled in the park this morning to unearth the time capsule. Much discussion on where to dig ensued. It was decided to try in front of the monument, 5-6 feet down and nothing. It was then decided to try in back of the monument, 5-6 feet down and nothing. Finally it was decided to move the cement base and monument marking the capsule and dig. About 4 feet down there was a crunch. Oops. The time capsule was found. Ground water started to seep into the container. Men hurried and scurried and dug with shovel to unearth it enough to get the container and contents out. All ended well and the contents and container are on display in Robert's Hardware window. Al Baris read the list of contents to the assembly. The list was buried in the capsule and no one knew what was in it until the retrieval. The capsule and contents are on display in the window of Robert’s Hardware.

Farmers market began from 5-7pm in the Park. "Reflections" played for the enjoyment of everyone attending. The vendors who wished to set up for this 175th anniversary event were not charged a fee.

The Stow gingerbread house was displayed near the bandstand. Constructed by Jean Roberts it is a masterpiece of confection.

Galen Historical Society was open for guests during the farmers market and welcomed the League of Women Voters who set up a display table and the Wayne County Board of Elections Voter outreach program who allowed guests to observe and vote in an Election using the new Optiscan Voting machine that will be in use come November. The election consisted of type of ice cream you prefer or what movie star is your favorite. Chocolate won the ice cream vote.

Jim Darnell sold first day covers to observe the 175 year anniversary.

A Ribbon cutting ceremony for Heritage Park was held at 7pm with Ruth Gillette and Myron Schmoldt doing the honors. Ruth and Myron have spent much time and effort to make the Park a reality. Shown here with Mayor Jerry Fremouw.

Friday April 30, 2010

Visitors to our lovely village were able to walk downtown and enjoy the many store window displays assembled by local volunteer workers. We have some very talented people here in Clyde.

Friday evening at the Clyde-Savannah High School Auditorium the community was entertained by the "Crosswinds Bell Choir", "The Lake Country Cloggers", "The Geneva Convention" (a barbershop quartet) and a special peek at an upcoming event starring our own Clyde-Savannah Community Players production of "Jitterbug Juliet". The event will be held July 24th and 25th, 2010 at the Clyde-Savannah High School. During intermission the senior class sold refreshments in the lobby. The evening entertainment was free of charge for anyone attending as a gift for our community.

Saturday May 1, 2010

The Galen Historical Society opened its doors with a display of civil war information gathered by R.L Murray, A pancake breakfast was served at the Clyde Grange. Shown here is a photo of Grange's new Mural.

The parade celebrating the 175th anniversary was a huge success with local folks working together to honor the achievements of the community that has survived to reach its 175th birthday.

Immediately following the parade a ceremony commenced in and around the bandstand. Honorees were presented with achievement awards for their contributions to our community. Included were Jane Robert, Eleanor Pulvino, Margaret Colasurto, and Bertha Canolesio Rudy De Lisio, Joe Bramer, and Frank Lee. State Senator Michael Nozzolio presented The Galen Historical Society President, Sherryle Godkin, a NY State flag, that was flown over our capital in Albany, for the Historical Society. Wayne Morrison read a letter, United States Congressman Dan Maffei and State Senator Mike Nozzolio , Galen Supervisor Steve Groat, Mayor Jerry Fremouw, spoke about our 175th anniversary and what it means to our community. Ed Buttachio was MC for the event.

Following the ceremonies the community cake was cut by Rotary members and handed out to the enjoyment of everyone attending. Themed cakes representing the 175 years were presented. Local bakers were able to show their great talent and creative imaginations.

Saturday night was the 175th anniversary dinner dance held at Donselaar's. Tom Castellano was the MC and introduced Sara and Jessica Robson who started the festivities with the National Anthem. Costume winners were Jane Roberts and Richard Hoven for best male and female costume and Jeff and Brenda Smith with daughter Alexis and Garret Coons for best family costumes. An award was given to the Clyde Grange Master Sharon Rice for its anniversary. Sharon and Wayne Rice spoke of the beginning of the Grange and what it meant to rural communities. The sit down dinner was well received and devoured and folks who stayed enjoyed dancing to music provided by the "Works".

Sunday May 2, 2010

A Worship service was presented by Reverend Dana Rattary and members of the Christ Community Church and was well attended. The congregation sang songs of faith and listened to a short sermon prior to going to their own churches for regular Sunday services. Mayor Jerry Fremouw was on clean up detail to return the chairs to GHS.

The Clyde Volunteer Fire Department had a very successful chicken bbq with sides that was sold out early. Cars lined up around the block to get their finger lickin' great bbq chicken for dinner.

Lauraville Landing Park was the site for the community picnic where Girl Scouts sponsored games and DJ Jim Fremouw provided music for the festivities.

The Blockhouse was the site for Richard Hoven's antique tool display and discussions about building barns in the 1800's.

We were blessed with good weather and excellent attendance at all the events. I would like to thank all the photographers that answered the call to submit photos for this website and the display that will be shown in the Brick Church Museum this summer.